From free cultural performances and a multi-ethnic Kalakaua Avenue parade to a grand finale fireworks thriller off Waikiki Beach, the 24th Annual Honolulu Festival is set to bombard the senses with a vibrant display of traditions from Hawaii, the Pacific and Asia.

If you’ve ever been curious about experiencing these diverse cultures, this is the perfect way to do so without having the expense of globetrotting! Everyone is invited to enjoy this extravaganza that’s unique to Hawaii from Friday, March 9 through Sunday, March 11. And best of all, the free events are presented in easily accessible family-friendly venues in the Waikiki area.

Harmony Over The Ocean, Journey To Peace

Under the banner of Pacific Harmony, Hawaii’s premier cultural fest was launched with a vision of cultivating friendship and ultimately contributing to world peace. Just think of ethnic harmony, economic cooperation and mutual understanding/acceptance presented in a format that engages, educates and entertains.

With the 2018 theme of Harmony over the Ocean, Journey to Peace, the 2018 edition will feature performances and activities that include dance, arts, mele (song), exhibits and crafts–all presented by 5,000 participants from Hawaii, the U.S. Mainland, Australia, Tahiti, Japan, the Philippines, Taiwan and South Korea.

Even if you only have a day to tap into the fun, you’ll be glad you did. You’ll find the fanfare rolling out at Waikiki Beach Walk, Ala Moana Center and Hawaii Convention Center (HCC).

Flaunt Your Artistic Side At The 100-Booth Craft Fair

Families will especially enjoy HCC’s 100-booth Craft Fair where you can flaunt your artistic side while interacting with residents from various parts of the Pacific Rim. Keiki (children) can dive further into the fun at Ennichi Corner, with such hands-on activities as fish-scooping, yukata dressing, origami and plastic mask making–all inspired by the traditional Japanese Saint’s Day festival.

Taste Your Way Through The Pacific Rim

If you’re up for deeper insight and encounters, why not purchase tickets for the Friendship Gala that enables the Honolulu Festival Foundation to offer enriching educational programs for local school children.

Scheduled for 7-8:30pm on Friday, March 9 at HCC, this one pairs delicious regional fare from some of Hawaii’s premiere chefs with colorful entertainment by Honolulu Festival performers that include Keauhou, Sakura Komachi Wagakudan and Tunui’s Royal Polynesians.

Available at HonoluluFestival.com, Friendship Gala tickets are priced at $90 per person ($70 under age 21). Keiki age six and younger are free (does not include food and beverage).

The Grand Parade Is Exactly That!

Since everyone loves a parade and fireworks, Sunday is the Honolulu Festival’s marque day with appeal across the board. From 4pm, the Grand Parade will fill Waikiki’s Kalakaua Avenue with even more spectacular cultural performances, marching bands, floats, hula dancers and dance troupes.

Fireworks Finale On Waikiki Beach

As a high-energy finale, the spectacular Nagaoka Fireworks Show will paint the sky off Waikiki Beach with a frenzy of color. This symbolic gesture honors the winning relationship between Honolulu and its sister city of Nagaoka, Japan.

Fireworks are a Nagaoka tradition, with that city’s two-night fireworks display over the Shinano River each August drawing nearly a million visitors annually. So this is yet another major perk of attending the annual Honolulu celebration.

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Hawaiian Isles Kona Coffee Co. is a 2nd-generation, family-owned coffee roaster located in the heart of the Hawaiian Islands. We aim to share the unique taste of Hawaii with the world through the flavor of our custom coffees.